Thursday, September 5, 2013

I'm still here...


Well, gosh. It's been OVER 18 MONTHS since I last posted. Anyone still out there? Sorry I left so abruptly.  No real reason I stopped blogging before...I just felt a bit like I was spinning my wheels. A lot has happened in 18 months.

My husband has had several surgeries including 3 back surgeries; both hips replaced; oral surgery for a weird, fortunately non-malignant tumor; hospitalization for a huge hematoma, and later an infection at the first hip surgical site, which involved re-surgery; hospitalization for a week on IV antibiotics..., but now he is in good health. Yes, he can even walk without a cane!

My mom has had several hospitalizations for malnutrition, low blood pressure, dehydration... (she's 83 years old and still anorexic), but I think she's actually figuring out that she need to eat and drink water in order to stay out of the hospital.   

Buster is good right now. He is almost 10 years old. He is still a bit (okay, very...) neurotic, but all of his health problems are under control, through a combination of strict diet and very moderate exercise. I just noticed he is looking a bit older, but he is still my baby boy!  He loves to go to the park, and still is as adorable as ever. 
Buster with (His) Monkey on His Back

I'm still working in the same department, but about a year ago I asked to be demoted to a less stressful position. It was either that or retire, as I couldn't handle the stress. I'm so fortunate that they didn't want me to leave, and accommodated my request.  So the transfer actually occurred in March. That has been a big improvement in my work life, so I think I might actually work another few years (until I'm 63 or 64). The benefits are great, I'm still very busy, but not overwhelmed...so I'm loving my job again.

I'm still taking an antidepressant (Wellbutrin) and I'm still in therapy, although I've cut back to once a month. Financially it's better, and I have made a lot of progress emotionally so I didn't feel the need to keep going twice a month. I no longer spend a lot of time in negative self talk (unless I catch a glimpse of myself from the side...view of a side profile always gives me a start...I always think I should be skinnier); I eat relatively normally, without a lot of emotional binge eating. So, I'm in a good place.  My weight is up a bit...I am currently wearing about a size 14, and have been there steady for about the last year. I would like to be back in a 12...or a 10 (ideal) but I'm not obsessed with a number. And I have no idea what I actually weigh (guessing 180? For my height, I probably should weigh 165.  But I don't weigh because it still makes me anxious and crazy). My long, intense, and ongoing, journey to normalcy is a whole 'nother post...if anyone is interested, I'll blog about it.

I'm currently dealing with plantar fasciitis, for about 8 months, which has been a real B.I.T.C.H.  I've been to a naturopath, massage therapist, acupuncturist...I've used gel inserts, a night splint...I take anti-inflammatories 3 times a day and glucosamine religiously...you name it.  It's a bit better, but it has really impacted my ability to walk for exercise.  Next week, I'm going to a regular podiatrist to see what they recommend.  I just want to get back to normal exercise...I think that would take off a bit of weight.

This summer, we had non-stop guests, and the last two left on Saturday.  This weekend will be the first in 2 months without house guests.  Exciting!..so lots of house and yard catch up stuff to do this weekend. Happy happy happy!  

LIFE IS GOOD! I honestly don't know how or if Blogger feed even works anymore!?!  If there is still anyone out there, leave a comment and say HI!

3 comments:

  1. I can relate to the relief of constant house guest finally moving on. I hosted my cousin's daughter for the summer and though I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of getting to know her, Cro and I are both happy to see her go back to university and to get our home and freedom back all to ourselves.

    I'm so happy that your hubby and Buster are doing well. *hugs* to your older doggy. I lost my old kitty last month and did it ever hurt. I cried like a lost child and still feel that eye-burn when I think about him too much.

    It's wonderful that you are blogging again and to hear about how your life is going! You have been missed!

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  2. Well hello again, Miss Grace, what a nice surprise to see your post! I have missed you. I am very glad that you are doing well and that husband and Buster are too. Lots of changes here too, the main one being that I have sold my little farm and moved into town. Making some big adjustments!

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  3. What a delight to see that you posted today! I think of you often and have wondered how you're doing. I'm happy to read that your family and you sound like you're doing great (especially that Buster is doing well too). You sound happy and well-adjusted. Especially considering everything you've had happen the past 18 months.

    Take care!

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